A man has been charged with manslaughter following the death of a woman in Bexley, tied to a chilling domestic abuse investigation.
Death of Gillian Morand Sparks New Probe
Gillian Morand, 36, tragically died by suicide in March 2020. But fresh allegations of domestic abuse she endured emerged after the inquest, prompting the Metropolitan Police to reopen the case.
On Thursday, 5 March 2026, officers arrested 45-year-old Seyhan Assaf from Sidcup. He now faces charges of manslaughter and coercive or controlling behaviour believed to have contributed to Gillian’s death.
Police and CPS Take Unusual Step
Detective Chief Inspector Dan Whitten said: “This is a complex investigation with very few charges of this nature authorised across the country.”
The CPS backed the move. Samantha Yelland, Senior Crown Prosecutor, said: “We have decided to prosecute Seyhan Assaf with manslaughter and controlling or coercive behaviour. There is sufficient evidence, and it is in the public interest to proceed.”
Appeal for Witnesses
Officers are urging anyone who knew Gillian in the decade before her death to come forward. Even the smallest details could prove vital to the case.
- Report information through the Met Police Major Incident Public Portal
- Or call 101, quoting CAD number 4727/06MAR26
Assaf is due to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 7 March. Meanwhile, the Met continues its work to support survivors of domestic abuse across London.
